Vaca Leche

Breastmilk contains more than nutrients. It includes bioactive compounds that help regulate infant development.

One group of these compounds is part of the endocannabinoid system. This includes endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-AG, along with related compounds like palmitoylethanolamide, also known as PEA.

These molecules play a role in feeding behavior, appetite regulation, inflammation, and early neurologic development. In early life, this system is especially important for helping babies learn to feed, settle, and adapt to their environment.

PEA in particular has been studied for its role in supporting immune balance, regulating inflammation, and interacting with the nervous system.

Recent research also describes something called the endocannabinoidome. This refers to a broader network of lipid signaling molecules found in human milk that may influence infant growth, metabolism, and development.

While this area of research is still evolving, it highlights how human milk functions as a biologically active system that supports infants in multiple, interconnected ways.

The more we study breastmilk, the more we understand how much it is doing behind the scenes.

True or False: Breastmilk changes after a baby hits their head to help heal the brain?

False…but the claim is built on pieces of real science.

There is evidence that:
• Cytokines can be detected in saliva and change with stress or injury
• Salivary biomarkers are being studied in concussion detection
• Breastmilk contains endocannabinoids and immune-modulating compounds
• Breastmilk composition can shift in response to infant illness

However, there is currently no evidence supporting a pathway where acute injury (like a head bump) triggers targeted changes in breastmilk such as increased palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for brain healing.

Saliva reflects internal physiology—it does not function as a signaling system that directs real-time, injury-specific changes in milk composition.

Breastmilk is powerful without needing to extend beyond what science supports.

References
Hassiotou, F., & Geddes, D. T. (2015). Immune cell-mediated protection of the mammary gland and the infant during breastfeeding. Advances in Nutrition, 6(3), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.114.007377

Lyons, A. et al. (2021). Salivary microRNA biomarkers of concussion. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(7), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.1097

Papacosta, E., & Nassis, G. P. (2011). Saliva as a tool for monitoring immune markers in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 14(5), 424–434

Andreas, N. J., Kampmann, B., & Mehring Le-Doare, K. (2015). Human breast milk: composition and bioactivity. Early Human Development, 91(11), 629–635

Keimpema, E. et al. (2011). Endocannabinoids and the control of food intake. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 22(9), 404–413